Sabbath tends to be a bit of a loaded or confusing word in our day. In our church community we can use it with some sort of familiarity because we have recently studied and implemented the practice. However, some people, if not altogether unaware of its meaning, have reduced it to an old testament principle or something having to do with the adventists.
Well, recently in our study of Sabbath, this is some of what we have come up with…
Sabbath is a day, any day, of the week where God’s people break from all of the work and worry and stress and appointments of our normal everyday lives. Sabbath introduces a rhythm to our hectic lives. And, not simply a rhythm of rest and relaxation. Sabbath is not simply a day off. Sabbath is primarily all about breaking from our routine to acknowledge and honor the One who truly makes the world go round. If we stop moving, God is still in control. We say with our hearts, minds, schedule, relationships, commitments, that God is sovereign over all and in charge of everything. The world is not about us and what we are capable of, it is about God and what He is capable of.
So, at first attempt Sabbath may become a time to reflect and meditate on the sovereignty of God. But as you continue to practice, it becomes a joyful resting day to actively stop living for us and spend our time, thoughts, and affections on God… thanking Him for his sustenance, provision, love and power.
How do we Sabbath? Sabbath is a relational practice. Because the faith is meant to be lived out as a family in community with other believers, Sabbath is the same. We have fun, eat good food, enjoy good drink, pray, listen to good music, play games, laugh together, remind each other of who God is and who we are as His people. We participate in what brings us joy… all to the Glory of God.
Sabbath has implications for the rest of our week as well. Leading up to Sabbath we must prepare. Get everything ready. (Laundry, dishes, house cleaning, homework, prep for the upcoming week…) Even this wrinkle of practicing Sabbath has profound implications of discipline to our normal lives. Our time is not our time… we must prepare for a day off and not simply assume it will be there.
Some of the scripture leading us in this is Hebrews 4 and Exodus 20.
Lindsey and I have not fully grasped this, but it has been an exciting journey. And, this writing comes on the most beautiful of all Sabbath days. The one day where our Sovereign King was risen from the dead to prove that even the enemy of God, death, had no power over Him. If that is true, then how can we not take time to sit in His goodness and great His great love for us?
So… Rest. And do it well believing that the Creator of all… can handle it.